Vilnius Rugby Academy Closed the 2025 Season: Adults and Children Honored, with Young Players’ Achievements Bringing the Greatest Joy
Vilnius Rugby Academy held a ceremonial closing evening for the 2025 season, filled with a festive sporting spirit, unity, and sincere appreciation for every member’s contribution. During the event, both adult athletes and young rugby players were honored, with the efforts and progress of the youngest members bringing particular pride to the entire academy community.
2/19/2026
The academy leader Augustinas Terleckas emphasized that the growth of young athletes is the greatest inspiration to build an even stronger and friendlier rugby environment: “It is extremely important to us that not only results grow together, but people as well. We are proud of every child taking their first steps in rugby or bravely striving toward new goals.”
Throughout the evening, there were congratulatory speeches, video highlights, raffles and, most importantly, — awards recognizing the hard work accomplished throughout the year both on and off the field.
🛡️Best Defenders and Fighters🛡️
The Best Defender titles were awarded to four athletes: Aronas Krištopaitis, Ugnius Laugalys, Kasparas Papinigis and Leonas Vasaris Sirutas – for reliable defense and courageous play.
In the Rugby-7 format, Tomas Grigaitis was recognized as Best Defender.
Karolis Lukoševičius was named Best Scrum Defender, while in the Lithuanian Regional Cup Dominykas Petrovas was announced Best Defender.
🏉Top Scorers of 2025🏉
Among the top scorers were: Ramin Shiraliyev, Egidijus Erminas, Julius Melnikas, Uljana Šavyrova and Ema Maksimovič.
In R7, Mantas Stelionis became the top scorer, while in the Lithuanian Regional Cup Julius Melnikas earned his second individual victory in this category.
💥Best Forwards and Scrum Leaders💥
For their energy in attack and determination to gain meters, Kovas Lemežis and Domantas Stravinskas were awarded, while Aleksandra Sinotova was recognized as Best Forward.
Mantas Stelionis was also named Best Scrum Forward.
🤝Most Team-Oriented Players🤝
For the qualities most valuable to the team – support, leadership and professionalism – awards were presented to: Robertas Voroneckij, Jaroslav Mikhnovich, Rokas Vaišnoras and Tomas Grigaitis.
📈Most Improved Players📈
This nomination is one of the most valued within the academy community, as it reflects persistence, determination and personal growth. In 2025, the most improved players were: Mark Kholod, Egidijus Erminas, Ratmir Olševskij and Pierre-Louis Laviale.
🆕Rookie Progress: A Great Pride of the Academy🆕
Special attention was also given to newcomers — children and teenagers just beginning their rugby journey. Awarded were: Kostas Vaišnoras, Emilis Požaitis, Artem and Konstantin Khaustov, Nikita Novopashin, Mikail Acar, Viktor Daričev and Adomas Afifi.
These young athletes are true proof that the academy’s future sounds very strong. The academy emphasizes that it is very proud of the young rugby players’ achievements, their growth and determination to learn and improve.
🙌Appreciation to the Academy Community🙌
As every year, acknowledgments were presented to individuals who made a special contribution to the academy’s activities and growth. Honored were:
Tomas Vaičiūnas, Mantvydas Šakalys, Artūras Miežys, Martynas Maslianikas, Domantas Stravinskas, Julius Melnikas, Tomas Grigaitis, Tomas Kušlevič, Martynas Rimšelis, Aušra Šarėjūtė, Domantas Alenskas, Monika Vaitekūnaitė, Lilija Grigaitienė, Augustinas Terleckas.
📸Photo Nominations📸
The event concluded with four photo nominations that attracted significant audience attention:
2025 Attack of the Year
2025 Emotion of the Year
2025 Ground–Air Moment of the Year
2025 Mr. Handsome
The closing evening of Vilnius Rugby Academy’s 2025 season once again reminded everyone that the academy is built by people — from the youngest members to the most experienced athletes, from parents to sponsors and volunteers. It is a community that not only achieves sporting results but also builds character, strength and respect.
